down in defeat, the complexion of the race for First Division honours was significantly altered.

A two-team race has emerged with Somerset leading the charge with 22 points, but having Boulevard close on their heels just one point behind.

The pair both achieved favourable results -- albeit in contrasting fashion -- the Blazers leaving it until six minutes from the end before coming back from a goal down to upend defending champions PHC 3-2, effectively ending their reign.

Somerset, on the other hand, were never really bothered by a St. David's side struggling for survival in the top flight, as they scored an emphatic 4-1 win.

One thing the two teams have in common are relegated Hamilton Parish, whom each have to play in one of their final two league matches, which would seem to guarantee each at least two points.

In the other games, Somerset visit PHC on the final weekend while Boulevard's next game is against Devonshire Colts.

"We're looking to win both of them and hope that one of those teams take a point (from Somerset),'' said Boulevard skipper Albert Smith yesterday. "We know what task is ahead of us and it's just a matter of each individual putting in their all.

"It was a sign for us to come back and win like that against a team like PHC...it's all guts now.'' On his prediction that the winners of the February 28, Somerset-Boulevard contest would win the league -- Somerset won the match 2-1 -- Smith said that he would "definitely have a rethink and maybe reverse that thought.'' Somerset are seeking their first league championship since 1987 and could wrap things up Sunday if they win and Boulevard are upset by Devonshire Colts.

Coach Larry Hunt is optimistic of his side's chances heading into these final two weeks.

"We're in the best position right now,'' said Hunt. "All we have to do is win our last two games.

"Yesterday (Sunday) was important as we knew Boulevard had already won on Saturday night. So there was a little pressure on us and it took some time for the guys to settle down.'' One thing that may help the west-enders is the fact that they do not have any outside matches scheduled in between these last two league games while Boulevard still have to face Dandy Town in the first FA Cup semifinal on Thursday night (8 p.m.) at Devonshire Rec.

Said Hunt: "It gives us a chance to concentrate just on the next two games.

"Sunday we need a good result against Parish and are looking for maybe five or so goals.

"I keep reminding them that it is a championship game because we don't know what Colts or Boulevard are going to do and this game could win it for us.'' Meanwhile, PHC coach Jack Castle conceded that the Warwick club's chances of retaining their title had evaporated along with Saturday night's loss, but that they still had a vital role to play .

"It's hope football for us now, out league chances are just about shot,'' said Castle. "But we still hold a key on winning the league. Taking two points from Somerset could put the ball in Boulevard's court.

"Saturday night was certainly a hard defeat. We let it slip away, which I feel showed inexperience in our defence.'' Sunday also saw the clinching of the sixth Martonmere Cup place with form team North Village joining Dandy Town, Colts, PHC, Somerset and Boulevard as qualifiers.

ALBERT SMITH -- `It's all guts now.'